Agree IFs are playing too wide at the moment. Means we have no bodies central, making it very hard to actually score a goal, despite a lot of pressure.
Costa's understanding with Doherty was helping Matt find so much space today, so wouldn't say he was terrible today - though his crossing was...
I think Costa's movement is contributing to the space Doherty is finding down the right, but he isn't doing enough with the ball when he does have it.
Should have had a pen, dominating the ball - Brighton look poor.
Think neither Jota or Costa's places are safe, but Costa has been slightly better over the last 4-5 games so Jota the first to be rested. Ultimately I'm not sure last season should affect thinking anymore, that was against championship players and so far he hasn't stepped up (not that Costa...
Rui got to take some blame for the first. Went though some legs but only on the edge of the box, and wasn't exactly a rocket in the corner.
Blame on everyone for totally losing shape for the second, but particularly Moutinho and Bennett.
Think we got schooled rather by Watford today. They overran our midfield in the first half and then second half were happy to set up and let us knock it around without looking too dangerous. We had some off days - Moutinho in particular had a stinker I thought - but credit Watford.
Also some...
The guy on comms is right - they are totally overloading us through the centre. There should be space therefore out wide but we can't keep ahold of the ball.
Nuno is being outthought atm (surprised this hasn't happened before when everyone knows we're only going to play 2 in the middle) and...
I love this team.
I don't think we were wonderful again today, but probably did deserve to win. Just about.
Coady was fantastic. So calm under pressure and picks up all the pieces before they even hit the ground. MOTM for me.
A little confused at the Saiss sub though? He's not exactly the...
Defensively solid.
Diogo getting a lot of the ball but not doing much with it, but Costa has looked off it so far too.
Excellent save from Hennessey, though Raul has to score.
We'll improve second half as always.
Thought we were pretty poor on the whole. Luckily Saints were too.
Most of the game was pretty even but Cav really made the difference.
Winning when you aren't playing well etc...
MOTM Coady probably,
We properly competed in that game, so good to see. Even though United had a lot of pressure at the end, we dealt with it relatively comfortably and looked threatening on the break. A draw is probably a fair result.
Motm for me Costa or Boly. Not much to fault with any player but they were the...
Not many keeping options tbf. I thought about questioning Butland but he'll be third choice keeper, so no danger of playing, and will be dropped again once Heaton has played a few more games for Burnley. I would hope.
Missed it today sadly but am very excited for motd. Sounds like we were excellent all round.
Set pieces becoming a weakness again? Got to wonder if the way Nuno likes to set up for them is a bit suspect as we should be well drilled in them by now. Haven't seen it so no idea what it was like...
If we're gonna blame the person who made the first error for forcing everyone else into a position to make errors then Jonny gets the blame for the first goal for his dreadful crossfield ball.
Regardless this is all pretty moot as I doubt Nuno will throw Vinagre in away from home against a top...
Where does the cause start? The misplaced cross field ball for the first goal? Whoever put it out for a throw on the second? I think it's unfair to throw stick at Doherty.
Free kicks like the first are given away all the time in this league, it happens, you expect the defence to deal with it...
I'd consider playing Dendoncker/Saiss over João for this one to add some more bite away from home. Otherwise same team for me I think.
Hopefully an improved performance will see us collect another point. 1-1
First half, the passing was off. Everything was a bit forced. Improved as time went on.
Think Jota, Boly and Costa (and Neves on occasion, though he was good overall) wanted a bit too much time on the ball. You won't get that anymore.
First goal Boly should do better, second goal Neves let...
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